Petition On Sexual Violence Eradication Backed By 59 Thousand People

Jakarta (Antara Bali)- More than 59 thousand people have expressed their support to a petition to end sexual violence on the change.org website until Monday.

Initiated by Lentera Indonesia and Magdalene Magazine, the petition has called for a deliberation on the Bill on Sexual Violence Eradication.

The petition was launched following a gang rape that claimed the life of 14-year-old Yuyun, the victim.

"A total of 12 perpetrators have been arrested and are liable to face a maximal punishment of 15 years, and usually they would be released before having served their entire jail terms. This means that all the perpetrators would be free when they are in their 30s," he pointed out.

The petition quotes data from the National Commission on Violence Against Women that some 35 Indonesian women suffer from sexual violence daily.

According to Lentera Indonesia and Magdalene, the government and the House of Representatives have not paid adequate attention to the Bill on Sexual Violence Eradication.

The passing of the bill into law is crucial for providing a legal umbrella and protecting the victims of sexual assault.

"The longer it takes to complete the deliberation on the bill, more people will become victims," the petition said.

The petition has urged severe punishment for the perpetrators and justice for the victims.  (WDY)